Across the street from one of Detroit’s forgotten natural food markets, a chief executive officer of one of the nation’s largest organic grocers promised he’s “all-in” when it comes to a new store planned next year in the city’s Midtown neighborhood.

Robb, who has personally been involved for more than two years developing a Detroit location, said the Texas-based retailer sees the expected 21,000-square-foot supermarket at the corner of Mack Avenue and John R Road as “the right thing to do” from both a business, and community, standpoint.

Residents of the "food desert" known as Detroit spend more than $200 million a year at suburban grocery stores because of the lack of choices among grocers in the city, according to Robb.

Some chain grocers, including former Michigan-based Farmer Jack, have failed to stay open for very long. Even some historic smaller operations, such as the co-op, could not remain competitive in the city.

“It’s not our typical market in terms of Whole Foods up to this point,” he said, adding this is the first store, of its 320, to be built in a struggling city. "We're going to do it, and we're going to make it work."

If successful, Robb said the store could become a blueprint for the company to expand in more urban areas, such as Chicago.

Robb said mayors from five other urban cities have contacted Whole Foods regarding a new store in their city since the Detroit announcement in July.

Whole Foods, which specializes in natural and organic products, opened its first location in 1980 and currently has five stores in Michigan, including in Ann Arbor, Rochester Hills, Troy and West Bloomfield.

“This one is very personal,” Robb said. “It’s been very important to see it through and get a team that can get it to happen.”

Robb, who spent a large amount of his time at the DEC meeting discussing unique aspects of Detroit, said one of the unique things about the new store will be that a local store – Avalon Bakery – will provide the bread.

The company also has created an advisory board in developing the new store, which is expected to break ground May 14.

View full sizeAP PhotoThe future home of Whole Foods at the corner of Mack Avenue and John R. Street is shown in Detroit, Wednesday, July 27, 2011.

“This is wonderful the way they are coming in here,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who introduced Robb at the meeting. “The time they spent to get to know the community … I wish everybody in Michigan, or in Detroit, knew Detroit as well as I think Walter now does.”

Stabenow, who was heavily involved in bringing the store to Detroit, said she feels the company is setting itself up for a “very high success rate.”